Grateful pensioner John Molloy relaxes in his armchair to meet the heroes who helped save his life when he collapsed in his Coventry flat.

The 80-year-old fell ill at his home in Alpha House, Hillfields, and was unable to leave his property.

After surviving several days without food, he was on the brink of death but was rescued thanks to the quick response of staff at White-friars who were alerted by a worried neighbour.

Paramedics said the actions of employees Richard Cunningham, Kelly Lewis, Mary Higginson and Justin Wilson saved his life.

Mr Molloy, a former postman, thanked his rescuers after returning from hospital where he made a full recovery.

The Irishman, who served in the RAF and came to Coventry in 1942, handed over gifts to his lifesavers.

He said: "I am very grateful to the staff. It is good to know someone cares.

"I fell ill and then just couldn't get out of bed. I'm independent and don't want to cause any trouble, but I couldn't get any food and was really weak. I wouldn't have lasted another day.

"I really want to thank Richard and the others.

"Kelly visited me in hospital, which was really nice. I think the whole of Coventry was looking for me."

After knocking repeatedly on his door, and calls to local hospitals and efforts to contact his next of kin were unsuccessful, the team broke in with police in attendance.

Mr Molloy was found on the floor unconscious.

Richard Cunningham, a ranger at Whitefriars, said: "We are so lucky that we found him when we did. The ambulance team said that another day and he would not have survived."

Housing officer Kelly Lewis said: "Mr Molloy is a lovely character. I was so pleased he was found and has made a full recovery. He is fiercely independent, but we are working with the council to ensure he gets the support he needs and looks after himself. He was very lucky." ..SUPL: